In August, Alabamians will have the opportunity to learn the latest digital skills directly from Google professionals.

Google announced today that its bringing its "Grow with Google" tour to three Alabama cities, Birmingham, Opelika and Scottsboro, in early August. The workshops and one-on-one coaching are designed to help job seekers and small businesses learn the digital skills they need to succeed and grow, said Erica Swanson, Google's head of community engagement.

Swanson said Google sees the workshops as an extension of its existing presence in Alabama. She said Google began engaging with public libraries in some Alabama cities after making the announcement that it was building a $600 million data center in Jackson County.

Google says Alabama businesses and nonprofits generated about $703 million in economic activity in 2017 using its search and advertising tools. About 11,000 Alabama businesses, publishers and non-profits used the search engine last year, according to its yearly activity report.

"Grow with Google is now excited to support Alabama small businesses and job seekers by offering free, in-person digital skills workshops and coaching," Swanson said. "We want to do our part to help equip workers and businesses with the digital skills they need to compete in the economy of today and tomorrow."

Among the topics to be included in the workshops are: how to get your small business found on Google Search and Maps; how to find new customers online; how to use Google spreadsheet, Gmail and create presentations using Google Slides; and an introduction to coding.

Workshops are 60 to 90 minutes and participants are asked to register for the workshops they are interested in. One-on-One coaching with a Googler is available in the following areas: Google AdWords, Google Analytics, Google My Business, GSuite (Google Docs, Spreadsheets, Presentations and Forms), and Gmail and Google Calendar.

Swanson said these workshops are valuable as the skills needed in the workplace are changing rapidly. What small businesses need to do to grow their businesses is also constantly changing, she said.

According to a Google report, less than half of 18 to 25 year olds believe their education system is providing them with the skills that they need to enter the workforce.

Swanson said the workshops are highly engaging and designed so every small business or job seeker will learn something specific to their needs and careers.

Google is also hosting training for library, nonprofit and education professionals on how they can use Grow with Google's free tools and resources to help small businesses and job seekers in their communities, she said.

"Digital skills are necessary to succeed in a modern world. Now more than ever, job applicants and entrepreneurs must leverage technology to improve career prospects, increase brand awareness and target potential customers," said Floyd Council, executive director of Birmingham Public Library. "We are excited to partner with Google to bring this initiative to Birmingham to benefit small businesses, students, job seekers, and the community as a whole."

Grow with Google is working with several partners across the state to promote the initiative, including: Alabama Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, Birmingham Business Alliance, Dutton Community Library, Lena Cagle Library Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce, Opelika Chamber of Commerce and Woodville Public Library.

Google is expecting a large demand for the workshops. Anyone wanting to participate is asked to register early by clicking here. Drop by the event to schedule a one-on-one training session with a Googler.